According to Music Theatre International, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe’s musical, “Honk!” was first written in 1993 and has been performed over 8,000 times around the world in many different languages.

“Honk!” won the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical.

“Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story, ‘The Ugly Duckling,’ ‘Honk!’ tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Soon after Ugly is born, he is seduced away by a wily cat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner.

“Eventually, Ugly manages to escape, but has no idea how to return home. He embarks on an adventure in which he encounters a beautiful swan, Penny, tangled in a fishing line.

“After saving her, the two birds fall in love. Penny, however, must return to her flock and fly south for the winter.

“Determined to find his family, Ugly journeys on, only to become frozen in the snow. Eventually, Ugly’s mother finds him and her warm tears manage to thaw him out. He revives, and is surprised to discover he is now a handsome swan!” according to StageAgent.

“We chose ‘HONK!’ for many reasons. The show is full of opportunities for the students to shine. The show can be performed with as little as 10 students or as many as 30. It’s the perfect size for Salisbury.

“Additionally, the story of ‘The Ugly Duckling’ is one that continues to resonate generation after generation. This updated version is as silly as it is meaningful. One quote from the show sticks out in particular: It’s a phase we all go through. High school is tough: social and academic pressures can be challenging and, like the character Ugly, everyone has his or her personal challenges. Ugly sets out to find himself and in the end, with the help of friends and family, discovers he’s been exactly what and where he needed to be the entire time,” Director Will Windsor Erwin said.

Poster artwork is by Margaret Carl, poster design by Jarell Rios, program design/layout by Lucas Reichard and Angelina McMahon. The costume coordinator is Renee Martin, production liaison is Adam Soto and hospitality is provided by parents of the cast and crew.